Sarah Wechsler, a plumber who works for Plumbing Services Ltd. in Lake Charlotte, says she loves her job, even when homeowners are surprised to see a woman walk through the door. (CHRISTIAN LAFORCE / Staff)

SARAH Wechsler is used to seeing the surprise on the homeowner's face when she walks through the door carrying her plumber's tools.

"They don't expect a woman," said the 24-year-old plumber with Plumbing Services Ltd. of Lake Charlotte. "There still aren't a lot of female plumbers so they are surprised to see a woman show up."

The surprise doesn't last long as she sets to work and gets the water problem solved.

"I think my sex is actually an advantage when dealing with women customers. With men they back off a little, but with me they feel freer to talk. They talk about the problem at hand, and then they want to talk about future renovations."

Ms. Wechsler's mother suggested she try her hand at plumbing.

"Why not try plumbing," she suggested to her daughter as she struggled to find a calling after completing high school. "It's been good for your father."

Ms. Wechsler thought about it and realized she's always enjoyed working with her hands, so she signed up for the appropriate programs at the Nova Scotia Community College.

She graduated near the top of her class and last year completed an apprenticeship with her father's company. Although there are times when she's digging a ditch or lugging a bathtub into a home that she wonders what she's gotten herself into, those thoughts disappear when she fixes someone's problem or drives past a home where she knows she's done good work.

"You have to like working with your hands and you can't mind the dirt, because you are going to get dirty somewhere along the way," she said.

To learn more about plumbing as a career, read on.

NATURE OF THE WORK
Plumbers install, maintain and repair plumbing systems.

They read blueprints; measure, cut and thread pipes; operate hand and power tools; and join pipes using clamps, cement or welding equipment.

They also install support for piping systems; connect piping systems to water mains and pumps; clean pipes; and test for leaks.

SKILLS
This work requires a methodical approach, mechanical aptitude and an ability to plan ahead. You must be agile, co-ordinated and capable of working in cramped and awkward conditions. Patience and the ability to follow instructions are important. You should also be able to co-operate and work well with others on large projects.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Plumbing is a designated apprenticeship trade, and certification to become a plumber is compulsory in Nova Scotia.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
The wage rate for apprentices is usually a percentage of the journeyman rate, increasing upon completion of each stage of the apprenticeship program. Red Seal trade certification that allows for interprovincial mobility is available to qualified plumbers.

WORK PROSPECTS
Demand for this occupation is linked to activities in the residential and industrial construction sectors and the renovations market. Although it is expected that there will be a decline in residential construction, it is anticipated that industrial, commercial and infrastructure construction activities should remain stable. There is steady growth expected in the renovations market in the coming years.

It is common for plumbers to be self-employed or employed in small- to medium-sized businesses.

LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION